Putting down a wager on MMA fights is a fun and exciting way to engage with the sport. But there is a lot more to successful MMA betting than just making a bet; it involves thorough research and analysis of fighters, their styles, records, injuries, reach and weight differences. In addition, MMA betting requires an understanding of the odds and various types of bets. By mastering these concepts, you can increase your chances of making smart MMA bets and potentially cashing in big payouts.
One of the most basic MMA bets is the moneyline. In this bet, you place a wager on which fighter will win the bout by KO/TKO, submission or decision. The odds on each fighter reflect the likelihood of them winning the fight, with favorites having negative odds (such as -270 for McGregor against Diaz) and underdogs having positive odds (like +210).
Another popular MMA bet is the over/under rounds. This is a bet on how many total rounds the fight will last, and is usually set at 2.5 rounds or more. This type of bet is often more profitable than betting on who will win the fight, since a draw rarely occurs. Lastly, some sportsbooks also offer a bet on the Method of Victory, which is a bet on how the fight will end—either by KO/TKO, submission, or decision.
Prop bets, also known as exotic bets, are a great way to spice up your MMA betting experience. These bets are based on an event or non-event that isn’t related to the fight’s final outcome, and can offer larger payouts than standard bets. Examples of MMA prop bets include Round Bets, Method of Victory, and FOTN (Fight of the Night).
In-play MMA betting is the best way to bet on the sport, but it can also be the most confusing for beginners. Live odds are typically determined by algorithms and live traders who may not see technical aspects of a fight that savvy MMA bettors can pick up on. In addition, live odds are often skewed by the fact that the fighter’s performance is being influenced by outside factors such as travel and venue conditions.
The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to understand the difference between a normal bet and an MMA prop bet. MMA prop bets are typically offered by the major online sportsbooks and have specific terms and conditions that you should read before placing your wager. These include payout limits, number of allowed bets per match, and other restrictions.
Prop bets are also a great way to maximize your payouts by placing a parlay. A parlay is when you combine multiple MMA bets in order to increase your odds of a winning wager. This can be done by adding a bet on Khabib Nurmagomedov to cover against Justin Gaethje (moneyline) and then adding a bet on Jorge Masvidal to beat Nate Diaz (method of victory). Ultimately, you want to get all of your selections correct in order to earn a payout.